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Supreme Court Rules To Allow Diaz Confession

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota’s Supreme Court says an alleged confession to police by a teenage murder suspect should be allowed at her trial.
Maricela Diaz is charged in the November 2009 killing of 16-year-old Jasmine Guevara. Diaz was 15 at the time. Prosecutors contend that Diaz and boyfriend Alexander Salgado lured Guevara to a remote site near Mitchell, stabbed her and left her to die in the trunk of a burning car. They allege that Diaz was jealous of a developing relationship between Salgado and Guevara.
Justices say they believe Diaz understood her right to remain silent before allegedly confessing her role in the crime. They reversed a lower court ruling suppressing her statements.
Salgado earlier pleaded guilty to murder and is serving life in prison. Diaz’s trial has not been scheduled.